How to Wear Headbands

Lately there has been a resurgence of headbands seen worn on celebrities, teenagers, and young women everywhere. Leighton Meester sports one many times on Gossip Girl as Blair Waldorf. Taylor Swift wears one while she's off the stage, and emerging artist LIGHTS has used them as a trademark look for concerts and photo shoots.

Where did this trend come from? In the 1960's, headbands in a myriad of styles were popular on "mods" and hippies. The mod style of the headband was a wide accessory that was worn across the top of the head. They were usually a solid color and went with their go-go boots and mini skirts or dresses. Hippies wore theirs in more of a ninja style around the crown of their head. They either tied a scarf or bandanna around long locks or had a more natural one that was full of flowers.

How do these past styles translate to today? The mod style is seen in wide headbands; this is a more classic, clean-cut style of headband. The ladies on Gossip Girl have been seen wearing these. There are a lot of modern ways to wear the hippie style of headbands. "Scene kids" or other non mainstream teens have worn neon stretchy headbands on their head like a hippie would have. Usually bangs are draped across the forehead and then the head band is stretched over them and around their head. Bandannas or terry cotton head wraps or head bands are worn ninja style on male band members and other retro or alternative young people. Celebrities dressed up on the red carpet or other women on their wedding day have been seen wearing precious metal, jeweled, or flower adorned headbands that can go around the head in the hippie style or worn on top in the classic style.

There are also some unconventional ways to wear headbands today. One idea is to braid a piece of one's hair and wrap it around the head to give the appearance of a head band made out of hair. This is a hippie or bohemian relaxed look. Also, stylish sunglasses can be used to keep the hair pulled back by putting them on the head and pushing the bangs back. This is a great beach or summer look.

With so many ways to wear head bands today, everyone can use this chic, cute accessory to complement any wardrobe, style, or personality!

Below are some casual, unique types of headbands.